Teaching, living and exploring in South Korea. Changnyeong, Gyeongsang nam-do.

After over two years teaching in South Korea David and I returned to the UK but after ten months we decided we missed South Korea and here we are once again... teaching, exploring and LOVING living in Changnyeong, Gyeongsang nam-do.

안녕하세요, 행복한 독서! Hello, happy reading!

Friday, June 1, 2012

Workshop Trip

It's that time year again...Staff Workshop! This trip Richard and Suzi took us to Yeosu International Expo. We always have to write a report about our Workshop to the Educational Office. I will attach mine!

Changnyeong English Village

Superintendent: Richard Jeong Director: Suzi Park

Spring 2012 Marvelous Workshop Trip!

By Becky Rhone

On Tuesday 29th May at 8.30am all of the staff at Changnyeong English Village set off for the marvelous workshop trip. I was very excited for this trip as I was looking forward to visiting the Living Ocean and Coast Expo in Yeosu. I started the day greeting all of the CEV staff. Richard, Sohee, Mr Ha, Shae, Adam, Julie, Sara, David and the bus driver. It was very upsetting and strange not to have Suzi with us. She organized and planned a lot of this trip and it is a huge shame that she can not be with us to enjoy it. This workshop trip will definitely not be the same with out her.

Richard and Sohee had provided a breakfast snack pack for all of us. This was very thoughtful and delicious! Once everybody was on the coach we started our journey, our short adventure. It took around three hours to travel to Yeosu. The journey itself was very comfortable and pleasant.

When we arrived at the Expo, I was blown away by the site itself. It was spectacular, the architecture and the overall structure of the entire site was very impressive. Korea had certainly taken this hosting event seriously. I was very excited to be a part it.

The first activity, in which the CEV staff participated in, was of course lunch! Richard took all of the staff to an amazing International Buffet Restaurant. The restaurant was absolutely stunning. It had a fantastic view of the Expo site and the food was gorgeous. I really enjoyed this dinning experience.

Soon after lunch, we started our Expo adventure. First David and I walked around the Expo site, to get a feel for the layout. There was so much to see and do. There were many exhibitions, shops, themed pavilions, cultural performances, thematic facilities, event facilities, Energy Park, experience zone, and so much more.

After seeing some thematic facilities and shopping for souvenirs David and I headed to the International Pavilions. Here we viewed a variety of countries exhibitions. These included America, Russia, Demark, Japan, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Turkmenistan, Africa, Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Ocean. United Arab Emirates was my favorite international exhibition.

Next David and I went to the Marine Life Pavilion, Aquarium. This was my favorite part of the entire trip. It was a wonderful experience. The aquarium had many sea creatures; it had around 280 species and about 30,000 marine animals. Such as Beluga whales, Baikal seals, and sea dragons, Emperor penguins, Red-bellied piranhas, sting-rays, Jellyfish, Japanese Spider Crabs, Hammer head sharks, White tip sharks and a variety of other species of sharks. My favorite was three white Beluga whales from Antarctica.

When we finished exploring the Marine Life Pavilion David and I spent the remainder of our time at the Expo visiting a variety of locations. These included Energy Park, Waterfront Plaza, Sky Tower and we also had a ride in an electric Kia- Ray and an electric bus.

At the end of the day when all of the staff met at our meeting point, we exchanged stories about our day and then we headed to our hotel. The hotel in which we all stayed was extremely nice. I really appreciated the effort and organization that Richard, Suzi and Sohee have put in to making our workshop trip such a pleasant experience. I am so incredibly lucky to be working at CEV!

In the early evening all of the staff went out for a meal. We ate bulgogi jungle. I love this Korean dish. I was very pleased! After a delicious meal with friendly company we all retired back to our hotel. The first day of the work shop was over. I had such an amazing day. It was truly marvelous.

The next day, Wednesday all of the staff at CEV met at 9am. Richard and Sohee had provided all of the staff a wonderful breakfast from Paris Baguette. Once again this was delicious. I have certainly eaten well on this trip!

Whilst eating our breakfast on the coach we made our way to our next destination. We went on a boat trip. This boat journey lasted around an hour and a half. The boat took us around the coast of Yeosu Expo. Even though the weather was not as pleasant as the day before it was still a delightful excursion.

After enjoying the excursion, Richard took all of the staff from CEV to another International Buffet. Once again this was amazing. The restaurant itself was lovely and the food was exquisite. My self and all of the staff absolutely loved this dining experience.

When we had finished enjoying our wonderful lunch, we made our way back onto the coach and started our journey back to Changnyeong. I had such an amazing couple of days. I enjoyed every minute of it. It was a fantastic experience which wouldn’t of happened if it wasn’t for Richard, Suzi and Sohee. I am looking forward to the next workshop trip because I can’t wait to have Suzi join us. This workshop trip was not the same without her.